Infliximab administration reduces neuronal apoptosis on the optic pathways in a rabbit hydrocephalus model: a preliminary report.

Object: This study was designed to explore the effects of infliximab on the optic pathway in kaolin induced hydrocephalus rabbit model.
Methods: After injection of kaolin to the cisterna magna of 12 New Zealand rabbits for induction of hydrocephalus, animals were divided into 2 groups and received either infliximab or normal saline. The intracranial pressure measurement was performed 2 times; firstly, before kaolin injection and secondly, before decapitation to ensure that the rabbits had hydrocephalus. After 2 weeks, animals were decapitated.
Results: Apoptotic cells in the lateral geniculate body, optic radiation, and optic disc were counted with TUNEL method. Apoptotic cell counts of the lateral geniculate body and the optic radiation were showed statistically significant difference between the infliximab group and the control group.
Conclusions: This study suggests that infliximab may have a neuroprotective effect through its anti-apoptotic property on hydrocephalus induced optic pathways injury.